Basal Skin Cancer

One of the most common skin cancers is the basal skin cancer. It affects the basal cells which are round cells found in the epidermis. It is also known as "basal cell carcinoma". These slow-growing cancers (taking months or even years to become sizable) almost never spread or metastasize to other parts of the body and are highly treatable. However, by growing and invading surrounding tissues they can cause damage. Basal skin cancer can damage and disfigure the eye, ear or nose if it grows nearby.

Basal skin cancer accounts for more than 75% of skin cancers diagnosed each year making it the most commonly developed skin cancer. Common areas where basal skin cancers develop are the face, neck and hands. However, about 20% of these skin cancers occur in areas that are not sun-exposed, such as the chest, back, arms, legs, and scalp. The most common location for basal cell lesions remains to be the face.